The Embodiment of the Romantic Landscape in ‘Chasing The Light’

In the midst of installing the new exhibition

Combining photography and painting their joint love for the landscape can be found in the art lovingly crafted by John Bentley and Julia Entwistle. Merging together to form a harmonious setting for their new exhibition ‘Chasing The Light’. Stealing a sneak peak during the set-up of the new show I could see their intention to encapsulate the very best of the Northern landscape. The culmination of several years thoughtful thinking, from the first throes of the theme title 5 years ago to the end product of this exhibition at The Gallery at St Georges House has been a lengthy journey for them both.

Paintings waiting to be hung

John’s portrait photography skills have been swapped for stunning vistas which capture the glory of our weather systems and iconic local scenery. Whilst Julia’s paintings embody those fantastic memories of alluring early morning dawns and dusky evenings bathed in a ‘half-light’ partially obscuring the landscape. A romantic idealism flows through her work embracing aspects of Impressionism and the idea that art can become a window to the soul and heart of an artist.

Watching them arrange and re-arrange their work, discussing which pieces look best together with the help of Head Curator Emma Kelly, you can see they are a well-oiled team. Julia’s paintings stream a light of blue-green consciousness into the gallery area alongside John’s photographic imagery of magical mountains and charismatic clouds. Altogether an eye-catching display which endeavours to give us a deeper connection to the landscape around us.